Leon Jouhaux received the Prize in ‘51
For his leadership in global labor rights: he pushed forward!
He believed that “lasting peace” could only come
By bringing up living standards, with labor at the fore.
His father worked at a match factory and was often sick,
Eventually blind. Young Leon at 12 worked there too, couldn’t pick
Another avenue, but was fired and eventually restored –
As the union’s leader. From here his work went forth
To the French labor unions, League of Nations, Europe, the U.N.:
Limiting hours, getting paid vacations, rejecting Communist bents.
He helped laborers and the Allies in both World Wars to ease
And maintain democratic negotiations – in support of Peace.
A father forced into exposure to white phosphorus work, browbeat;
A son moved to do all he could to avert a repeat.
June Edvenson 